924Board.org

CBass · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 2807 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Crazy notion here, why not weld up a crossmember out of tube steel? You could make mounting provisions for the 944 engine, and fit it for the 924 engine bay.

denis durrell · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2003 5:34 am Post subject:

cbass.. yeah, i guess. I don't know.. I do know that it would be more expensive to go to a yard and just get the right part. That's super basic... provided that one has the funds. Of course this is due to the fact that I don't have easy access to a metal working area (nor have any knowledge). When the time comes, I think I am going to keep my eyes peeled for a whole car (salvage, wrecked - I did find a 87 951 for US$1800.00 from an unfortunate bloke on Rennlist- so deals can be found). I think part by part is a foolish idea due to cost.

If that particular piece is no good (like the crossmember), it would just mean that I would have to make a separate purchase.

re: the front.. IMO the only reason (aside from appearance) why Porsche did a front spoiler/diffuser the way they did, was for the sole purpose of allowing the the intercooler to be be placed in the front (instead on top of the engine). it'd be nice to keep the look the same for a 924, but in this case, function must follow form. creatively, one could do a gt-racing "carrera gt" or "gtr" front end. at elast it would be different and not maintain that "sleeper" look. the stock 951 front end does not look as exciting as the other types (IMO). Carrera GT Optik?

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denis d.
san francisco, usa
83 944 LZ7Z (Gemini Grey)
86 944 LA1Y (Beige metallic, auto)
87 BMW 325es black, 5sp, lsd
---
78 924 red, the cops got it with me in it, in 2002

CBass · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 2807 Location: Vancouver, Canada

The 951 front end really makes the 924 look like a newer car though...

denis durrell · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2003 8:34 am Post subject:

CB.. true, i won't disagree with that, but it also comes down to a person's intended purpose for the car, such as every-day-driver or an every-once-in-a-while-drive-to-kick-butt-most-of-the-time-track+autocross-driver. some of that carbon fiber stuff doesn't always (if ever) give the appearance of factory steel. it doesn't seem to fit too perfectly!
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denis d.
san francisco, usa
83 944 LZ7Z (Gemini Grey)
86 944 LA1Y (Beige metallic, auto)
87 BMW 325es black, 5sp, lsd
---
78 924 red, the cops got it with me in it, in 2002

CBass · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 2807 Location: Vancouver, Canada

It's just fiberglass I think, and that stuff is pretty easy to work with, you can build it up and sand it down until it fits perfectly

Of course, that's a lot more work than some people are willing to do.

As for the crossmember, that wouldn't be hard for any experience welder to do with mild steel tube.

If you could get someone with a mandrel to bend the tube, and someone with a welder to weld it, you'd be set

john h · Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2003 3:00 pm Post subject:

denis durrell · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 6:52 am Post subject:

John, that's interesting information. I will have to take a look at this situation and, based on your observations, re-think more of an exact approach. Cutting the body to accomplish the intended goal doesn't seem to be very elegant though.

hmm.

I haven't been able to look at both of my cars on jack stands and take measurements yet, but I won't discount anything you are saying. I will have to take the crossmember document with me.

Anyone know of similar data in the 924 factory manual (like what page(s))?
_________________
denis d.
san francisco, usa
83 944 LZ7Z (Gemini Grey)
86 944 LA1Y (Beige metallic, auto)
87 BMW 325es black, 5sp, lsd
---
78 924 red, the cops got it with me in it, in 2002

john h · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 11:06 am Post subject:

CBass · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 2807 Location: Vancouver, Canada

I think the custom crossmember would be the way to go, since once it was finished, any 944/968 engine could be used as well.

It seems like a lot less work to do the measurements, make the cuts, and have someone weld it up, and would probably cost considerably less.

Also, this would provide a pattern to other people who want to try the same thing

1982Porsche924 · Joined: 14 Nov 2002 Posts: 679 Location: Cupertino, CA

Shouldn't the 924S have a similar crossmember, due to the same engine as the 944?
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1979 Porsche 924 "S"
Engine: Euro pistons, Light Flywheel, Weber TB, Bursch Header, Cam Wheel
Suspension: Front coil-overs, adj sways, Solid bush. Thicker tors. bars, 5-bolt, BBS rims
Body: Fiberglass widebody kit, 931 Nose

john h · Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2003 9:42 am Post subject:

simsport · Joined: 06 Nov 2002 Posts: 573 Location: UK Warrington

A friend of mine has a 924 with a 924s engine it and a welded crossmember which does not require a chassis weld.

It was fairly complex but proves it can be done. He sprints the car.

The man who did the work was Colin Belton of 9m in warrington england.

I dont suppose he would have the specs/dimensions but it may worth a call. He is on 01925 242342.

Cheers
Simon
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Blown is always best!

CBass · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 2807 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Simon, that's what I was thinking, but I was meaning to start from scratch. All you'd really need would be to get a 944 crossmember, and figure out the measurements.

All it would need to do is mount in the same location as the 924 Xmember, and have mounting provisions like the 944 Xmember.

Alex Roy · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2003 7:36 am Post subject:

Here's proof that the 951 engine can at least be bolted in to a 924:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2405536228&category=6431

denis durrell · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2003 5:58 pm Post subject:

A lot of interesting data here. tried to email the above ebay seller for more info and the site said:

"Warning: Unable to send your question(s) and forward a copy (Bcc) of your message. Unfortunately, we were unable to send your question(s) to the eBay user via email nor were we able to forward a copy to you. You may both be experiencing problems receiving email at this time. Where can we take you?"

Bummer, guess I can try again later.
_________________
denis d.
san francisco, usa
83 944 LZ7Z (Gemini Grey)
86 944 LA1Y (Beige metallic, auto)
87 BMW 325es black, 5sp, lsd
---
78 924 red, the cops got it with me in it, in 2002